Jenni calls for a raft: 'Let me show you some real white water rafting, Big Deal," she exclaimed.
This is the weir that drains the river just before the 'real' cliff.
Position is indicative of the beauty of this region (editor not excluded).
For the duration of the hike, the rain held off and we had the privilege of viewing some fine sights within
the Waimea Canyon. It is a wonderful place which elicits opportunities to see nature providing a continuous display
of outstanding mountain faces, deep colors, flowing water, some animal life, a remarkable canyon, thundering waterfalls
and an all round experience difficult to match. It is one of those places that does no need the sun to set off its
beauty although it helps. In fact, we don't think we've seen much of a sunrise or sunset while in Kauai. Perhaps it's
our position on the island or the season. On our return from the hike, it began to rain followed by winds that we thought
might be a cyclone. On the positive, the foul weather almost blew the fowl off the island. We are not sorry to admit
that our sympathy was not quite with these birds. (See earlier blog should you believe we are cruel and heartless.)
Took our breath away...still does. It's hard to believe the coloring notwithstanding a dull day.
Meantime, between the upper falls and the main falls, the raft supervisor prepares for the editor's
challenge. (Actually, walks on the 'raft' to the edge to gauge the editor's leap, about 1,500 feet).
Editor quits the raft idea and, a little out of character, thinks of joining the circus as a...clown.
Probably needs longer arms.
For one of us, the walk down to the waterfall, crossing a couple of streams and then climbing down a short
cliff wall was clearly a highlight, one of the 'highs' of this trip. To stand on the waterfall edge and gaze
into and around the canyon with half-an-eye focusing on the 1,500 feet or more drop below is adrenaline inducing
and spectacular. Unfortunately, the underfoot is naturally wet in the area and with continuous rains this winter,
the dampness is exacerbated which of course affects traction, an important concept in these environs. Nevertheless,
caution and exploration in balanced measures provides interesting and stimulating opportunities. That's all very
nice, but in plain English, it's bloody exciting.
The mist enters the scene. One can stand by and salute and emote, Gloria S.
Something a little different, continues to overwhelm us.
A very neat way to leave the canyon in a hurry.
The rain and wind continued the whole of Friday night, eased a little on Saturday and came back with vengeance
on Saturday night, not slowing into Sunday morning at dawn. So much so that we thought our flight would be
cancelled. After some deliberation, we realized we're not in San Diego—these islanders know how to deal with
rain. Reminds us of our transport on Kauai. We hired a two-seat Ford truck, rifle-rack included (just kidding)
because the car we had booked had brake failure. The point of this story is that anything besides Jenni and her
spouse had to be thrown onto the open bed of the truck. In rainy weather, can you see the problem?
The editor showing farsightedness, purchased black garbage bags in case of inclement weather. Sure enough, on
Sunday morning, we double-covered each of the luggage bags for the trip to the airport to keep them dry.
Smart lady! We hope she has no intention of using said bags on her whet.
As expected, the plane sailed into the dark and wet sky...uncovered.
Standing on the waterfall's edge looking to the side vertical wall, sobering.
A personal 'high' for the pictured-hiker on this trip, a great boots wash, too.
Cheers,
Jenni and Jeffrey
Recent Oahu sunset along Pearl Harbor—Positioned in this missive before we forget about the concept of sunshine.
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